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Chapter 6: The Simplicity of Christ

The premise of this book is that Light has come into this world. We are currently working to better understand what that means to us in our daily lives. First we looked at the possibility of the renewed vitality and sense of adventure that is available to believers and unbelievers alike in the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Secondly we considered the difference a change in perspective can make for us all. In chapter three we looked at some examples in scripture of how God has given and continues to give a clearer picture of reality through supernatural means to those who desire Him.

In chapter four we returned to the very beginning in Genesis. There the eternal purpose of God was stated and began to unfold. After the disaster of sin, that purpose might have been forgotten or lost without the many promises given in God’s Word. We learned eventually that our Lord Jesus Christ was there all along but partially hidden for centuries. The time finally came for His Incarnation and His announcement that the Kingdom of God had come near to Israel. In the mean time God had called out a man and his descendants to prepare for this kingdom, to become signs and witnesses to God’s great plan for His creation. This great congregation would not only include Abraham’s natural descendants (the sands of the seashore) but also those of other races (the stars of the heavens) who believe in and follow Him.

The wonder of this marvelous family of God was barely introduced in chapter five. So much more should be discovered concerning it, but a firmer foundation must first be laid. I am sad to say from personal experience that it is all too easy to become distracted from the Center Piece of all creation — the Lord Jesus Christ! Because of sin and the Fall, we tend to become preoccupied more with our situation, our need. Of course God has great concerns for this as well. However, He has not forgotten His original plan. His plans to remedy our situation still include that original plan. In that plan He will be glorified through Christ and through His work of redemption and restoration in us!

An ancient confession of faith states this: “The chief end (or ultimate purpose) of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” For me, that is not simply a pious platitude. In fact, in one way it describes the dramatic change in my life I wrote about before. When I made seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness my number one priority, I returned to the primary purpose of my existence! Instead of running from God and ignoring His will for my life, I began running toward Him and greatly enjoying Him as never before! This is my desire for everyone, for us all to glorify God in our own unique way and in that way learn to enjoy our sweet, wonderful, awesome, powerful and holy God forever more!

It’s as simple as that! Well, wait a minute. I can hear you thinking about that word, “simple.” Have I been living in a cave or a bubble? Am I unaware of how complicated life on this planet has become? I assure you that this is not the case! Without getting too personal, you might be interested to know that I am in my seventh decade on this planet. I owned and operated my own business for 40 years. I have been married to the same girl for over 40 years now and have 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and so far 6 great-grandchildren! You decide for yourself if I have made it this far without gaining any sense of how complicated things can become!

In the first chapter of Genesis, things were quite simple. There was the man and the woman and God. The humans were given the responsibility of caring for the rest of creation, until the serpent began to tempt Eve. When their relationship with God was broken, things began to get complicated, more and more as time progressed. God’s plan was to reverse that process in Christ. It was the lie that introduced doubt in the mind of Eve concerning the goodness of God, and the suggestion that they would be better off on their own. This did not lead to freedom at all but to the bondage of sin, sickness, sorrow and death.

The way out of the lie was through the truth. 4,000 years later, Jesus would tell those who believed on Him,

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

For many of us in our day, the first aspect of The Truth we need to know and believe is that there is One Eternal God Who created everything. (Genesis 1:1). After that we must face the fact that all of us without exception have denied His ways, His will, His purpose, His righteousness and holiness. In a word, we have all sinned and failed to glorify Him! (Romans 3:23). Next, the good news is that He sent His Son to save us by dying in our place which is the penalty for sin. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). All of this would be meaningless if we do not accept the authority of these scriptures as coming from God and speaking clearly to what we have experienced in life. Using the words of Thomas Jefferson, they are “self-evident truths.”

Untold millions have reported that learning these truths, believing them and acting on them has led to true freedom and peace in their hearts and minds. However, Jesus also told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be given unto them to lead them into all truth! I would suggest that being led into all truth is a life-long process. It is my concern that too many of us stop with believing in and receiving atonement for our sins. We forget that the Gospel of Jesus Christ includes the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Why would we not want to fully understand that part of the Gospel? Did Jesus not spend the last 3 1/2 years of His life teaching and preaching this Gospel? Was not the Kingdom of God still on His mind after His resurrection? (Acts 1:3) Did not the great missionary and apostle Paul include teachings relating to the Kingdom of God in His ministry right up to the end of the record in Acts? (Acts 19:8, 28:23-31).

Maybe we still think it is all about us? Maybe what we want and desire can become more important than pleasing Him? When Paul had to deal with the problems of the Corinthian believers His solution was simple: He directed them back to the Simplicity of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:1-3 Paul likened the congregation of believers as a bride betrothed to her husband, Christ. She was not to direct her love and devotion to any other individuals, even her ministers. He reminded them of the trick the serpent played on Eve. His suspicion was that they were being tricked in the same way. They were distracted from their primary focus: their relationship with Christ and the simplicity of devotion to Him.

When Jude wrote in his letter urging his fellow believers to “earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints,” he knew of the danger of distraction. Even as every married couple must devote themselves to keeping their love alive and fresh, every believer and every congregation of believers needs to be reminded of the great love that exists between them and their Lord as His bride. (Jude 1:3, Ephesians 5:25-33) The same serpent, deceiver and adversary is using the same tricks to this day. If he can confuse us and get our attention away from Christ, we all lose. We fail both to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That leaves us with empty rituals, routines and the struggle to keep up the appearance of righteousness.

This terrible situation can be avoided, if we can become obsessed as Paul was to “know Him, and the power of His resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10) It is as simple as it is overwhelmingly mysterious. Think of it! The mighty, all powerful, creator of the universe left His glory, took on Himself the form of frail humanity, humbled Himself unto death — all because of love for you and I! Is that not enough to draw you into a greater knowledge of Him?

How can anyone possibly communicate what they have experienced in the wonderful presence of our God? Many have tried, from Job, to David, to Isaiah, to the apostles, Peter, John and Paul. The good news is that God Himself is involved in our communications! The same Holy Spirit that breathed upon, in and through those who wrote down their experiences, is at work when we hear their story! He is ready and willing to help us receive the joy of His awesome presence as well!

When King David finally was able to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, his heart was full. This was the symbol of God’s glorious presence among His people. He presented this psalm to Asaph and his fellow leaders of worship and praise:

1 Chronicles 16:8-12:

8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;

Let me tell you that a heart of love, worship and adoration to the Lord is contagious! I pity those, who like David’s wife look upon others with scorn who allow themselves to become lost in their love and gratitude to Him, their King! Those who have come to cherish the free and unrestrained relationship with Jesus have something that no one can take from them! Not only that, but they have something within them that they can freely share with others. Let me tell you that time spent with individuals who truly love and know the Lord is priceless! I can confidently say that I have been transformed from the depths of my being as I looked upon the glowing faces of simple worshippers as they spoke of Him! Images from my childhood are stamped in my mind of my dear mother lifting up her hands with her eyes closed as she was swept away in His presence! Other times I witnessed her on her knees talking to Him, pouring out her heart in prayers for us her children. Jesus Himself is revealed through the lives of ordinary people who know and love Him!

Consider the apostle John, how in his letters he encouraged the believers that they could know Jesus even as He knew Him, face to face!

1 John 1:1-4:

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life — 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us — 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

In no way are we to settle for anything less than personal fellowship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This privilege was purchased for us at great cost — the cost of the offering of Jesus on the Cross of shame and humiliation! When people are told the way of salvation through His Cross and they believe it, they are forgiven and saved. When they are told that He is a God that heals and they believe it, they can be healed. When they are told that He will baptize and fill them with the Holy Spirit and they believe it, they are filled. When He is presented as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, they can believe and surrender to Him as their Lord. When they hear and receive the revelation of the Kingdom of God, they can believe and enter into a entirely new dimension of life, while sitting with Him in heavenly places!

Most certainly I encourage you to learn all the stories of the bible. We need also to know all the great teachings and themes, like redemption, grace, faithfulness and the practice of our faith. The bible is filled with practical wisdom to guide us in our everyday life. But I pray that in all this we do not forget the reason for it all — it is to know Him, our Lord and Savior, to love Him and by that love be empowered to love even our enemies!

Today I pray that we can continue to keep Jesus as the center and also as the circumference of our thoughts, discussions and activities. May our love for Him overshadow everything we do!

If we can keep in mind that God has not forgotten His original intention for humanity, if we also keep in mind that He cannot fail, then it might become easier to see how His plan continued to move forward in Genesis. Immediately after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, He informed them of the consequences of their sin. Life would be much harder than before. At the same time He also gave them a promise of the future victory.

The promise is in cryptic form. In case you haven’t already noticed, many phrases in the bible are in a literary form that uses symbols or word pictures to convey an idea or a message. The serpent who tempted and deceived Eve in many places in the bible is representative of the devil or Satan, our adversary. God promised that while the serpent would bruise the heal of Eve’s descendent, her descendent would bruise his head. (Genesis 3:13-19) The meaning of this, while encouraging at the time, would not be fully understood until four thousand years later. Jesus, who was born of a woman was put to death by the prompting of the devil. In this process He ultimately defeated death and the devil by His resurrection from the grave! In His death on the cross He paid the penalty for all our sins, and in His resurrection He triumphed over sin, death and the devil! In ancient times the battle was won when the victor pressed his foot on the head of his enemy. We will go into that more later, but for now we will continue to ask that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see every promise and fulfillment we have in Christ!

There is another important promise in Genesis. We have already mentioned the patriarch Abraham, who was first known as Abram. After God called him out from his familiar surroundings, to a land that He would provide, He gave him a wonderful promise.

Genesis 12:1-3:

1 Now the LORD said to Abram,

“Go forth from your country,

Later God also promised to make Abraham’s descendants as many as the stars of the heaven and the sands of the seashore! (Genesis 13:16)

In the New Testament it becomes evident how this promise is literally being fulfilled even today! The biblical scholar Paul the apostle of Christ explained how God’s plan all along was not only to bless the natural children of Abraham (the Jews), but all the families of the earth as well. The natural and faith-filled descendants would be a source of blessing but one in particular, Jesus the Messiah would be the door to open for all of us the entrance into the family of faith! (Galatians 3:14)

Galatians 3:6-9:

6 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

On the cross Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of humanity, both Jews and gentiles. In this way He has reconciled us all to God, both Jews and gentiles, making us all one, but only as we place our faith and trust in Him as did our father Abraham! The faith seen in Abraham was not simply a matter of agreement or intellectual assent. It was an active faith that was literally shown in his willingness to leave his past behind in search of God’s will for him, his wife and those dependent upon him. (Hebrews 11:8-16) In this life change is inevitable. The challenge is to trust God when He leads us into a change He has planned. Our faith is one that moves us to action, to often leave our comfort zones. This is part of what makes the Christian life a faith-filled adventure. At this very moment we might have our own plans for school, work, marriage, a place to live etc., but what are His plans for us? Are we open to finding the area of service where we can share that blessing that has come down to us through Abraham?

In these pages we hope to show how every act of faith in God, however small can contribute to His eternal purpose of blessing all the families of the earth, all the nations. How often have we been robbed of our supernatural joy, and of living that abundant life in Christ simply because of distractions from His purpose? Is the Christian life only about resisting sin? How much do you suppose that taking the time to focus on Him, worshipping Him, becoming preoccupied with His purpose, of serving others in response to Him — how much could these things become the means to overcoming temptation to sin?

Paul wrote that the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus had made him free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:3) Years ago I heard this helpful analogy: The law of sin and death is like the physical law of gravity. It pulls us down. It is also constant and never takes a break, so to speak. “What goes up, must come down” according to the law of gravity. However there are other laws of physics that have been discovered. Birds can fly and airplanes also because of the laws of aerodynamics. Gravity is still at work, but because of these other laws, large, heavy planes can be lifted upward from the ground. Of course even the birds must come down out of the sky eventually. Eagles have greater wingspans and the ability to catch the air currents that can carry them higher and with less effort than other birds. Likewise rockets that are powerful enough to escape the earth’s atmosphere can enter into areas where the earth’s gravity is much less than where we stand now.

We should never make light of the law of sin and death. At the same time we should not diminish the power of the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus! Not only has God given the Holy Spirit to live within those who trust in Him, but He has also made it possible for us to live in the Spirit and to walk in the Spirit! Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit, so that we will not fulfill the desires of the old sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16) In fact we can even count the sinful nature dead because we are now alive in Christ! (Romans 6:11) By seeking God, hearing His Word, following His leading, loving and serving others, praising Him, pursuing what is good, allowing the Holy Spirit to dominate our thoughts and feelings, we can gradually be lifted upward from the lower realms of living. Things that once dominated our thinking become weaker. Even painful memories will become faint, and thoughts of your glorious future will take their place.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews stated that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were looking for a city that had foundations, whose builder and maker was God. (Hebrews 11:9-16) They were focused on the promises of God. The city they sought was a heavenly one. It was the same city that John the Revelator saw coming down from God out of heaven to earth! (Revelations 21:2-3) Did they fully comprehend all of what this meant? I doubt it. Even Paul declared:

“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-11 NASB).

So again we realize that the revelation of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to become encouraged, comforted, and even motivated by things we can only understand by faith.

The Household of God

So we can now see part of what John the Baptist meant when he said that the time is fulfilled, and that the kingdom of God was at hand. We are living in the reality of the fact today, that Christ has joined believing Jews and gentiles into one body, from many nations, races and cultures. All the families and nations of the earth can be blessed because of Abraham and his descendants. As we look around us it should be plain that we still have a long way to go, but this should not discourage us! Think of what is yet ahead, and that we can still be a part of it! It is sad to me that so many Christians are not interested in history. They only want to know what is going on today, in their lifetime. This is a very narrow and self-centered attitude. Not only that, ignorance of the past can prevent us from seeing God’s trajectory. What I mean is, that we need to see not only how far we need to go, but also how far we have come as the one family in God that we are. The early Christians believed that there was a connection between them and those that came before. They also believed that they were connected to believers in the future. In fact many understood that their death from persecution for Christ paved the way for many others, thousands and even millions to come into this kingdom, this family of God! History would show that their belief was true and proven in the early centuries of Christianity.

We all have the priority of our immediate family when it comes to our responsibility. That is only right. However, it is a wonderful and even powerful thing to realize that you are part of something greater, encompassing all the world and all of the ages! This family of God is an eternal one! It is central to the purpose for which all of time exists! (Ephesians 3:19) What would you be willing to offer to see the purpose of our eternal family fulfilled? Perhaps you are already serving in your full capacity in the Kingdom. If so, I desire to light a fire in you by the word of God so that your joy will be full and overflowing in it!

In the New Testament we learn a lot about the importance of faith. It is by grace that we are saved, through faith, and not that of ourselves – it is the gift of God, not by works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). The crux of Jesus’ preaching was to repent and believe the Good News of the Kingdom of God. We are also told that faith comes by hearing, hearing this message from God. The apostle John wrote his entire account for one purpose. His hope was that it would encourage the reader to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and thereby to find life in His Name (John 20:31). Elsewhere we learn that faith was an important factor in the lives of many Old Testament characters as well (Hebrews 11:1-40).

Many if not most of you reading this already believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and also believe that you have eternal life in Him. I certainly hope that this is no small matter to you! You have heard about Jesus, His teachings, His life, His death on the cross, His resurrection, His ascension and the promise of His return. As you have embraced all the above your life has been already enriched. You have eternal life in you even now! It is my hope that we who believe in Jesus will continue on this path and grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him.

The tried and true way to do this is daily fellowship with Him and His people and to let His Word dwell deeply within us. For me, reading and studying the Bible is very important but not enough. I am compelled to share what I have learned, and I find great satisfaction, pleasure and joy in doing so! I am amazed when I hear pastors and preachers speak of the opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God as if it is a chore. Try this for yourself: listen to good Bible teaching, or read something that inspires you, or find something in your own reading of the Bible that encouraged you. Then share it with someone as the opportunity arises. What was the result? Perhaps the listener was bored or did not get it. Perhaps they were even annoyed at you. Forget that. What was it like when it came forth from your lips? Did it not revive that original encouragement that you received when you first learned it? Was it maybe even better when sharing it? Did you feel the very presence of Christ at that moment? Was it a chore to you?!

Of course there is more to it than simply sharing it. we need to walk it out in our daily lives. But I have found that there is a blessing in this sharing that actually helps and empowers us to walk it out, to become not only hearers, also but doers of the Word.

The Original Blessing

Many will testify to the way their faith in God has grown by learning more of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. In order to have a greater understanding of the New Testament I have found that knowledge of the Old Testament is critical. A respected teacher from early times put it this way, “In the Old Testament Christ is concealed, In the New Testament Christ is revealed.” When we begin to see what that means, the Bible opens up, and becomes more than a collection of various authors from various times and places, on various themes. We can begin to see that Christ is the central theme of the bible. As He did with his friends who walked with Him on the road to Emmaus, Jesus will open our understanding of all things written in the law, the prophets and the psalms concerning Him!

As far back as the very first chapter in the Bible, we can see Christ on the scene, not as a man of flesh of course, but in His pre-incarnate state as the living and creative Word of God!

Genesis 1:1-3:

The Lord Jesus Christ is actually hidden here until we come to the New Testament and the Gospel according to John, who writes:

John 1:1-4:

In verse 14 it becomes plain who truly is “The Word of God.”

John 1:14:

Consider also the writer of the letter to the Hebrews, who introduced his letter with these words:

Hebrews 1:1-2:

The apostle Paul also agreed concerning Jesus, the Christ:

Colossians 1:15-18:

Christians all around the world confess that the Almighty Creator of the universe is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, three in one. Here we see that the very earliest believers acknowledged that Jesus existed in the beginning and took part in the creation of all things. Yes He was fully revealed in the Incarnation but even before then, before all time He existed equally and eternally in the Godhead. This is a great mystery which by faith we understand. This is not blind faith, but a powerful inward conviction that lifts us upward above our material existence to see as the eyes of our understanding are opened by God Himself!

It is commonly agreed among Christians that we as human beings in the beginning were created in God’s image. After He created humans He blessed them and and directed them to be fruitful, and to multiply, replenishing the earth and taking dominion over it. (Genesis 1:26-28) At the same time we also learn from both Genesis and the experience of life itself that something went wrong long ago. Sin entered in and death was the result of it. The remainder of the Old Testament is the story of the terrible consequences of what has been called the fall of humanity. Murder, disease, war, theft and all manner of violations have been committed against humans and against the God Who made them. The other side of the coin is that the Old Testament is also filled with promises of a better time, in which we will be restored to our former state of peace and harmony.

Since Christ died on the Cross for us and rose again for our justification we can look back upon the many promises and how they have been fulfilled in Christ. For many centuries the focus has been on our fall and Christ’s redeeming us. Could it be possible that there might be more for us to understand? We know about Original Sin, but have we considered God’s Original Blessing? Could this be the time for another Copernican Revolution, another paradigm shift? Have we been too focused on our situation – our fall – our sin – our need for redemption and Christ’s redeeming us? How about God’s ultimate desire, His plan from the beginning, His Original Blessing?

Is our great Almighty God, Savior and King, who created all things, able to accomplish His plan to fill the earth with bearers of His image? Is the devil that He created too powerful for Him, or is our failure as humans to believe His Word a problem for Him? Of course not! In fact I believe strongly that He is calling on people like you and me today to catch a glimpse of this greater purpose. We can begin to see that throughout the ages He has continued to work out His plan in the earth. It came to a climax when Jesus first appeared but is continuing to build until all of the universe will be shaken by His wonderful and holy reality!

As we trace the thread of redemption through the Old Testament we can see the unfolding of God’s plan to restore His Creation to it’s former glory. When we work through the promises of God and their fulfillment, the New Testament becomes even more wonderful to us! Think about this for a moment: many religions and belief systems promise a great reward beyond the blue, but how many hold forth the proposition that something beyond our imaginations can actually be worked out in God’s own creation? Yes, evil and sin entered into humanity and marred the image of God that He created, but nothing has taken Him by surprise!

How big is your God? Is He not able to do what no great religious or political leader has ever accomplished? Is the Prince of Peace truly able to bring peace to the earth He created? Is He not able to answer the prayer that He Himself taught us to pray, that His Kingdom would come and that His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven? In the opening verses of the bible we are just beginning to see His plan, but as we patiently and carefully proceed through its pages, the picture will become brighter and clearer to us. Then with the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament we can see the explosion of light and life that is really there!

In spite of the tragic and horrible failures of each of our biblical heroes, God has relentlessly shown in them glimpses of the human beings portrayed in Genesis 1:26, who were destined to fully reveal the nature of their heavenly Father to all creation. In history, only Jesus of Nazareth completely bore the image of God, and yet God has planned from the beginning that He would have a family of sons and daughters to share that image in all of His glory. It is of great importance and a great inspiration that we who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus can even now begin to see God’s eternal purpose for us. Not only can He and He alone deliver us from the pit of sin and despair that we have found ourselves in, but He alone also has the great desire to lift us up to His original intention for humanity!

If we could just for a moment set aside what we hope God will do to please us, we could possibly get really excited about what He plans to do for His own pleasure. Think about it! We as poor minute beings actually are destined to bring pleasure to God. This is why we are here, and this is the privilege He has offered those who believe in and receive Him. Make no mistake. Giving pleasure to Him is without doubt the greatest pleasure a created being can know!

This is the original blessing!

A fascinating story is found in 2 Kings chapter 6. At this time the King of Aram was plotting against Israel, but several times his plot was thwarted. He began to suspect a traitor in his midst that was warning the King of Israel of his plans. what was really happening was this: Elisha the prophet was the leak! Somehow he knew by a supernatural word of knowledge what plans the king of Aram were making in his private room, and passed them on to the king of Israel. When the king of Aram learned of this he sent horses and chariots and a great army to surround the city where Elisha lodged.

What followed is recorded in 2 Kings 6:15-17:

15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, ” Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, ” O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The victory was theirs all along, and Elisha knew it. Gehazi his attendant was afraid until his spiritual eyes were open to see that he was on the winning side!

Most Christians readily confess that we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). At the same time we are told that we do not walk in darkness but in the light (1 John 1:7). We are to be children of the day who are not ignorant of what is going on now or what lies ahead (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8). This requires a different kind of sight. The prophets of old were called “seers” not because they had 20/20 eyesight but because they could see what was happening in the spiritual realm. Many important visions given to them were for the purpose of teaching them but also later generations. So we have the scriptures, which were written down by men who were prompted, inspired by the Holy Spirit as they wrote them. Does God give people visions today? Well, in the New Testament, and after Christ was crucified, resurrected and ascended, people were still receiving visions from God. The promised gift of the Holy spirit through which these came was also given to succeeding generations, including our generation (Acts 2:39).

At the same time I believe true prophets of God are very rare these days. What we need are those who have received and understood what those before us have given. Peter said that some of the words of the ancient prophets were not so much for them to understand, but for us (1 Peter 1:12). We are to be people with spiritual vision, able to see by the Spirit, and hear what the Spirit is saying to His people. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to resonate with the same Spirit that was in the prophets and in those who wrote down scriptures (2 Peter 1:20-21). This requires great humility on our part, and faith that God will open our understanding. Like Elisha’s servant we need our eyes open to see that the situation is not as grave as what our natural minds would think. While great evil does exist 2,000 years after Christ announced the Kingdom was at hand, great and wonderful things have been happening all along as well. Only those with spiritual sight and hearing are aware of these great and beautiful things! They have been born again in order that they can see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

There is a great controversy, even among believing Christians concerning the bible these days. scholarship has shown many things concerning the means by which the bible has been handed down to us today. Archaeology and research into the history of ancient times has in a sense “demystified” the bible. It is more often being interpreted as a social phenomena and important only in the way it has influenced culture throughout history. Well, I have to say first of all that I am a product of modern times as much as anyone else. I have had my own doubts about Christianity and the authority of the bible in my lifetime as well. I would not insist on anyone believing that the bible is from God just because I believe it is. However, I also believe that if a fair hearing is allowed, as I have allowed, from a chosen of God teacher who knows Him, the evidence will be overwhelming that God has authored it.

It has been my experience, that once a person’s eyes have been opened, they can never be the same. The resistance from our old nature will not necessarily end fully, but if faith is nurtured, it will grow. For myself, the more I have learned from the bible, the more I am convinced that it contains the truth of God that I need to help me live. In reality, the more I understand about the background behind the story, the more powerful it becomes to me.

Paul describes a situation where many people studied the Hebrew bible, before it was called the Old Testament and before the New Testament was written. Their minds were closed to the things it contained about Jesus. Their traditional interpretations would not allow them to accept that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Before we pass judgment, we must put ourselves in their place. They were expecting a great leader who would crush Rome and restore the throne in Jerusalem to a descendent of David. In fact, their strict observance to the law of Moses, as interpreted by their greater rabbis was in the hopes to ready themselves and the people for their messiah. Jesus of Nazareth did not accomplish their deliverance, at least not in the way they expected.

However, many of those less educated, less scholarly, less respected among the community did believe in Jesus. Down in their hearts they knew He was revealing the true God to them. Maybe they could not explain everything, but they believed and followed Him. There were some of the more educated who began to believe as well. Once their traditional beliefs were like a veil over their minds when they read the scriptures. All they could see were laws and rituals. They missed the parts about the relationship God wanted with His people. Perhaps when they saw the miracles of compassion, the overwhelming kindness and love he displayed, their hearts became warm. Paul wrote that this veil would be taken away from their minds when their hearts turned to the Lord. Now they could begin to see how the Lord and His life is hidden between the lines as we might say in the pages of scripture (2 Corinthians 3:13-18). That very revelation of Christ in the scriptures is transformative! We can progressively be transformed into His likeness in it!

The Psalmist proclaims in Psalms 119:18:

Open my eyes, that I may behold

This one understood the need to have his spiritual eyes opened.

After His resurrection, Jesus met up with some of His followers on the road to Emmaus. Somehow He concealed Himself from them so that they thought He was a stranger to Jerusalem. They were obviously confused at what had been transpiring, and filled with doubts. At some point in the conversation He made this challenge to them:

Luke 24:25-27:

Later at the end of the journey He consented to stay with them a while.

Luke 24:29-35:

In a later gathering after He demonstrated that He was not a ghost, but in a real body, we read:

Luke 24:44-49:

First of all, notice the importance Jesus placed upon knowing what Moses and the prophets and psalmists wrote concerning Him. Then notice how they recollected the fact that their hearts burned within them while He spoke with them and explained the scriptures to them. Finally notice how He opened their minds to understand the scriptures so they could convey this wonderful gospel to others.

This is the process by which 2,000 years later people still believe in, love, and have hope in Jesus. It is more than an intellectual exercise, but an understanding of the scriptures that can change a life! Those who yet hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, as the very same Holy Spirit that inspired the scriptures and opened the eyes of Gehazi, the disciples of Jesus, Paul and countless others can open their eyes as well!

What I described to you in chapter one was a major change in perspective for me. This is sometimes known as a paradigm shift. My favorite example of a paradigm shift is found in the story of Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolaus Copernicus was a 16th century mathematician and astronomer who proposed a model of the universe which was very different than the one accepted in his day.

For many generations, scientists believed that the earth was the center of the universe, and that the sun, moon, planets and stars revolved around the earth. This system was known as the Ptolemaic system. An interesting point here is that the planets in our solar system had irregular patterns that did not fit in with the rest. We call them “planets,” based on a Greek word for “wanderers” because they were thought to be wandering stars.

Copernicus came up with a system which developed into the one we understand today. The earth is not the center of the universe. In fact it is just one of several planets that revolve around the sun, which is closer to us than all of the other stars. Over one hundred years later this system eventually replaced the Ptolemaic system and would result in a total rethinking of the laws of physics. But what does this have to do with understanding the Kingdom of God? First of all, it shows how dramatic and world changing a paradigm shift can be. When the theory of Copernicus was finally proven to be correct, great and intelligent minds were found to be wrong in their beliefs about the universe. On a practical level, most of the technology we take for granted today would not be possible under the old understanding of reality. The old understanding was holding back scientific progress.

On a personal level, those many years ago I began to see a new reality in the Kingdom of God. No longer would I think of myself as the center of the universe, since my ideas were proven to be very foolish indeed. The closer that I moved in my thinking to be in orbit around God, His will, His purpose and His Kingdom, the clearer my view of reality became! Now I cannot begin to say how difficult that time was for me, and I am finding that this change is equally difficult for many Christians around the world!

Many of us have grown up with mistaken views of the Kingdom of God. These views often become a wall which blocks our minds from hearing or receiving anything more that God would have us hear and receive. In the last book of the bible, the Revelation, Jesus exhorted believers to have “an ear to hear what the Spirit speaks to the church.” How often do we view our church, our theological point of view as the center of everything? Jesus had a much bigger picture in mind. His entire ministry was about the Good News of the Kingdom of God and how to live in it.

Some of the things you find in this writing will in fact challenge the beliefs of many great and intelligent teachers and leaders in the church. Like those before Copernicus they innocently formed their ideas and thinking around long held traditions that seem to work for them. When the time comes to move forward in the purposes of God some traditions have lost their value and in fact stand in the way of greater victories in Christ. All I am asking is that together we look more seriously to the teachings of Jesus to see how He might want to change us! Is our focus on the Kingdom of God? Is His Kingdom our first priority? Or are our own little kingdoms more important to us? Jesus said that we would know the truth, and that the truth would make us free. I want to be free from myself, my limitations, my fears and failures. It is my belief that the truth of God’s word can definitely make us free from any tradition, false belief, doubt, sin, or anything that hinders us from the good, pleasing and perfect will of our great God!

The Time Is At Hand

Some scholars believe that Mark’s Gospel was written before those by Matthew, Luke and John. What I love about Mark’s Gospel is his direct to the point approach. He begins by showing how the Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of a man who would call the people to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Then he shows how a man named John was fulfilling these prophecies. John called the people to repentance and baptized them in the Jordan River. He also told them of the greater one to come who would baptize (immerse) them in the Holy Ghost and fire!

Mark then describes how Jesus came to be baptized by John after which “He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:10-11) Right after that Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days. This last event did not appear in Matthew and Luke’s gospels until the fourth chapter, so you get the sense of how compressed events are sometimes in Mark’s gospel.

Now we come to Mark chapter one, verses 14 and 15:

“Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

So according to Mark, this Gospel, or Good News from God is, that the time is fulfilled, that the Kingdom of God is at hand, or near, that people should repent, change their thinking and believe in His Good News. So we might wonder, what is so good about this good news? Why would the people respond to this good news when they heard it, and what was the time that had come to be fulfilled? Sometimes we forget the context into which this news first came. First Century Jews in Israel and many parts of the world had been prepared for this time by the words of their prophets over the centuries.

The heart of their story began with their ancestor Abram and the promise God had made to Him when He called him to leave his home for Canaan. (Genesis 12:1-5) 75 year old Abram and his 65 year old wife Sarai had no children. God promised them that He would bless them and make of them a great nation through which all the families of the earth would be blessed! According to Paul the apostle of Christ, this was an early expression of the Gospel to which he referred in Galatians 3:8. So Abram, whose name means “exalted father,” was changed to Abraham, which means “father of a multitude,” and Sarai would be called Sarah, or “princess” indicating the blessing that was conferred upon them. The source of this blessing and the object of their trust was their God.

As the centuries passed, they did greatly multiply in number, but only as slaves in Egypt. The story of God raising up Moses to perform great miracles and leading them out of Egypt became branded in their collective memory. Moses became the pattern for other deliverers to follow. The descendants of Abraham were prone to forget the great God Who was Himself their Savior, and this too often made them vulnerable to their enemies. When they cried out to the Lord, He would rescue them again and again. But even as far back as Moses, there was a sense that another final deliverer would come to not only save them from their earthly enemies, but from the sin which was always the cause of their downfall.

The priests and kings of Israel were anointed with oil when placed into their offices, indicating that the Holy Spirit of God was upon them to empower them. In the history of Israel, an individual Holy One, an “anointed One” was long anticipated by many. This one would lead them into a golden age by which the promises to Abraham would all be fulfilled. The Hebrew word for anointed one, “messiah” became the title which in English has become synonymous with the idea of a charismatic leader who could inspire hope in his people. When the New Testament was written in First Century Greek, the Greek word for “anointed One” was “Christos.” This might cause some confusion. Jesus was declared to be “The Christ,” but in some English translations it appears that Christ is His last name or His family name. Other more helpful translations identify Him as Jesus, the Christ, and others as Jesus, the Messiah. This time, it would not be physical olive oil poured upon His head to signify His office, but the sign of the living Spirit of God descending upon Him like a gentle dove, and empowering Him to perform mighty miracles! No other one before Him would hear a voice from heaven, saying, “this is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased!”

John the Baptist was himself a charismatic figure who had no difficulty in drawing attention to his message. After all, he was filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb! The prophets of old times had placed hope in the hearts of the people for generations and John was able to ignite that hope with the announcement that the kingdom of God was near. Even his call to repentance did not drive them away. The fire of his passion and his forthright speech only affirmed his position as a true prophet of God. Some even speculated that he might be the Messiah. This he emphatically denied. (Luke 3:15-16) John began to arouse the people of this nation to renew their expectation that God would once more free them from their oppressor, this time the Roman Empire. If only they would cry out to God as before and repent of their sins, perhaps He would raise up another Joshua, Gideon or David to deliver them. But John was so clearly and obviously more concerned with their renewed faith, obedience and holiness in their God than in the death of their enemies.

Furthermore, this message had wider implications than just Judea or all of Israel. Abraham was to bless all the families of the earth! The knowledge of the glory of the Lord was to expand outward from this land and to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea! Every tyrant would be brought down and all people would live free under the benevolent God of heaven! Over and over the Spirit of God had revealed through His prophets that His plan was to make this earth a place where righteousness, peace and joy would reign, but first a great crisis must come.

John envisioned an axe being laid to the root of a tree, so there would be no possibility of it returning. To the prophet Daniel it was revealed that the Kingdom of God would be like a single rock that would break into pieces the great ruling powers and become a great mountain that would fill the whole earth! (Daniel 2:34-45) Isaiah foretold of a time when peace would be so pervasive that wolves, leopards, lions and snakes would no longer be feared by little children. (Isaiah 11:6-9) All these images communicate a hope-filled vision for God’s creation that is close to what heaven must be like!

It was difficult then, and it has always been difficult for people to see how the kingdom of God could be already here. That is why we need to look at all that Jesus, His apostles and prophets have said about it. The are many passages of scripture that indicate it is already here, but others indicating that more is yet to come. Too often our inability to see it creates confusion in our minds concerning what Jesus, our Lord and Savior has said. The apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus, and by implication all of us to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Christ, that the eyes of our understanding would be open to all of what He has already accomplished on our behalf. (Ephesians 1:15-23) In this I will be very bold. It is not my words that I am hoping you will receive and believe, but the words of Jesus Himself. I believe that He is as much interested in helping us believe the truth concerning the Kingdom of God as He is in showing us that our sins can be forgiven and that we can become children of God through faith in Him!

In fact, faith in Him leads to our regeneration, or the new birth, which then enables us to see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel struggled with this concept. He too needed a paradigm shift! (John 3:3) Is it possible that even in our modern day enlightened understanding of God and salvation, we too might need to have our minds renewed continually in order to fully comprehend it all? Are we even open to the possibility of a greater vision of God’s plan for us and His creation? While I personally am satisfied to know simply that I am His, and that He will always love me, a hunger still exists within me to learn more of Him as much as I am able. My inadequacies do not defeat me because of His grace, but at the same time they motivate me to continue to press on in Him. Then the more I learn of His purposes for His creation, the more I want to be a part of His plan. The more I learn of how He wants to use me, the more energized I become to participate with Him! This could very well be the same for you! You can make a difference in this world that Christ died to save!

Here is a song composed and performed by my good friend, Harold Willison, entitled “Nothing To Compare.”

Dedication

This book is dedicated to anyone who hungers for a greater sense of purpose in life. It seeks to inspire us all to cast off our human limitations and to believe that all things are possible with God. The “all things” we refer to are not foolish and vain possibilities but all things that pertain to the Kingdom of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures. If your desire to move forward and prosper in life by faith has hit a proverbial brick wall, I urge you to refrain from giving up. There is a drive, a fire within you that should not be quenched, but perhaps redirected.

This might sound like a cliche, but it is true: God has a purpose for you in this life. In this purpose you are invincible through Him. It is my hope that a fresh look at God’s glorious Kingdom purposes for this earth will widen your horizon and open your eyes to the significance of your role in them. At this point I must warn you. Some of the limitations we face are actually our own beliefs about God and His purposes. As many of our biblical heroes before us, we must be willing to allow God to change our points of view in certain areas. we are to be continually transformed by the renewing of our minds, “so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Even if a hunger for a greater sense of purpose is not very strong in you, perhaps we could at least encourage you in acquiring a greater desire for God in the Person of Jesus Christ. That is certainly a worthy goal and something in which we should all be fulfilled and blessed. That kind of encouragement would be counted as success from my point of view!

Introduction

Over two thousand years ago, the Son of God appeared to the residents of an insignificant country as the son of a carpenter from an insignificant city. He gathered men and women from various professions and recruited them in His mission of heralding the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth. They understood that He was calling them to make great sacrifices, yet it is doubtful they realized how difficult their future would actually be.

In the end they received the courage to follow Him. That courage is greatly responsible for the fact that His Name is known yet today. With the help of God and the power of the Holy Spirit moving in them and in the people they met, they testified in an amazing way that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and Lord of all, as witnesses to His resurrection!

Now the centuries have passed, and the knowledge of Jesus and His story has gone around the world. That knowledge has impacted governments and cultures in ways that cannot fully be measured. Some have misused and abused this knowledge. Others have seen the benefits of His life and message.

In this 21st Century, many are concerned about their future and the future of society in general. Jealousy, envy, rage, war, racial tensions, sexual immorality, drug addiction, murder and crime seem to be on the increase. Faith in Christ, at least statically speaking seems to be decreasing. How should we respond to the many crisis we are facing today?

This book seeks to challenge believers in Christ to greater faith, vision and courage. As a natural born coward myself, I know our only hope is in seeking the source of greater faith, vision and courage — Jesus Christ Himself. I believe by seeking Him, we will also recover a greater, deeper understanding of His message, His mission, and and the hope that it will bring. That message is the Good News of the Kingdom of God! It is a message that is very relevant to the issues of every age!

Thankfully we live in a time when more people are seeking to understand what Jesus meant by the Kingdom of God. In this book I will earnestly try to incorporate what I have learned over many years from others and from my own study about the kingdom of God which I believe will embolden your testimony for Christ. Christians in many parts of this modern world are being ignored, ridiculed and often persecuted for their beliefs. Some of this might be their own fault, of course, but Christ Himself warned that we would face opposition for His sake. The many kinds of opposition are not all going to be detailed here, but the basic and fundamental elements of our struggle will be recognized.

The goal here is victorious faith in Christ, the very kind of faith that was seen in the first Christians! Have you ever wondered how they endured persecution and torture for their faith, when most of us recoil from the slightest insult? Have you considered how our petty squabbles among ourselves as believers can work against an effective witness for Christ to the world? Or how about this? Have you ever had the nagging feeling that you were created for more than mere existence? Most of us believe that there is a glorious future in eternity with Christ, but what about our lives today? Can they have more meaning and purpose and bring more glory to God right here on earth? Isn’t that how Jesus taught us to pray, for the will of God to be done on earth as it is done in heaven?

Writing this book is part of what I need to do in response to my concerns in these days for my family, my city, my country, our world, but mostly in response to my Lord Jesus Christ, who called me to Himself and revealed His glorious Kingdom to me. It is the result of my lifes work, my legacy, which I pray will come to the benefit of as many as possible!

Therefor I invite you the reader to listen for the voice of the Lord as you continue in these pages. He just might use them to give you a greater revelation of Him, His kingdom, His love, His power and His purpose for us all!

Chapter One: Are You Ready For An Adventure?

This universe in which we live is fundamentally one of order. What we call the laws of physics are basically that – laws that are constant and unchangeable. One plus one will always equal two. The moon revolves around our earth, and the earth revolves around our sun to produce days, months and years that help us to mark time and seasons. Those regular patterns are important to us and help to produce stability so that life can continue here.

On the other hand there is much room for diversity and even chaos! This universe is amazing and infinitely complex. We human beings are an integral part of that order, that complexity, that diversity and even the chaos! In all this we sense the need for security, and predictability. Sometimes in our search for security and comfort we neglect another of our basic needs. I believe we also need challenges, excitement and adventure! How else can we explain the thrill of an amusement park and a ride on a roller coaster? Why do we very often pay hard earned money on opportunities to needlessly risk our lives or at least the risk of injury? Of course there are a number of safer ways for getting the heart pumping and an adrenaline rush. Many of us like watching others appearing to be in danger on a big movie screen, or watching our favorite athletes in the sports arena. The popularity of these kinds of entertainment seem to prove my point that we do indeed crave excitement.

In my humble opinion these are all cheap substitutes for seeing life itself as an adventure, a quest with a purpose. As we gain a greater understanding of the kingdom of God and our place in it, even the ordinary, repetitive activities of every day can have richness of purpose and meaning. When Jesus, the son of a simple craftsman and laborer began His career as an itinerant preacher, many hours and even days were filled with the ordinary matters of moving from place to place. Other times were intense and dramatic. All of it was energized by His sense of purpose, that same sense of purpose that He passed down to His followers, which in turn has propelled His church forward unto this day.

If you are all like me, you might have found yourself at times wondering about your purpose. Maybe you have wondered about what we are doing in the church? Are we simply doing what we do because we have always done it that way? Have some of our churches and our leaders lost that sense of purpose that was given to us by Jesus? When we read and study the bible to learn about God’s will for us are we reading it through the lens of our current traditions and culture, or are we reading it to hear what the Holy Spirit would teach us? These are things that you and I must work out between ourselves and God, but at the same time we can help each other, learn together and challenge one another in it.

Not all of us feel the need for excitement or adventure. Sometimes life itself provides all the challenges we can handle. We look for times of peace and tranquility. we come to a typical Sunday church service looking for comfort and encouragement. we go to great lengths to find ways of getting our minds off of our troubles. At this point I would really like to share a personal experience of mine. Many years ago I had come to a place of great despair. The thought of giving up actually crossed my mind. Thankfully that thought was wiped away by the realization of the many people who loved me and my child who depended upon me. The fact that I was taught from my early years by my mother and others in my life about God and the bible had to be the most important factor that kept me going. One night while I was all alone in my home after putting the baby to bed, I began to cry out to God with all my heart.

When I began to realize how He continued to love me and to send wonderful, godly people into my life after all the years of resisting Him, I finally broke down. He was there all the time, just waiting for me to return to Him. That was my moment of total surrender, even greater than when I first gave my life to Him. The result was the lifting of that heavy load of guilt, worry and fear that I had been carrying for so long. The following morning the world seemed so bright and new! Even though my problems had not left me, I was lifted above them somehow! To this day I cannot put it into words. Back then but I tried to tell others about it immediately. Eventually I was able to talk with others who knew exactly what I was experiencing. Perfect words with them were not necessary. Since then I have met with people in many other parts of the world who also immediately understand me when I try speak about it. They too have had encounters with the Living God!

What came next is so important. I mentioned I was already a Christian. In fact I was saved and baptized at the age of 12. At this time I was about 21. For this entire time my devotion to Christ was up and down, hot and cold. It was many times a struggle for me to maintain a consistent testimony. I would see other young men who were bold in their faith, and envied them. Being backward and shy by nature did not help. Now that I had this powerful experience I began to understand where this boldness came from for them. I knew they had an experience, but I also knew that their knowledge of the Bible had a part in it. So I took up my bible and started to read in the first book of the New testament, Matthew.

The first thing that jumped out to me in Matthew’s Gospel was the preaching of John the baptizer. He claimed that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand! In a later chapter I read that Jesus also began preaching the same. I immediately thought: if the Kingdom of heaven was near to them then, how close could it be to us today, two thousand years later? I began to wonder if what I was now experiencing could be a taste of that very Kingdom! When I began to ask other more mature believers about this, I was amazed to learn that I was correct! In fact, they were able to show me even more evidence in the scripture that the Kingdom of God was already here for us who had experienced this righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit of God! (Romans 14:17)

Of course that was only the beginning of this adventure for me. I would have many more questions, and gain answers in time, but I am still not finished with my story. As I said, my problems were still with me. I was overwhelmed at the time, and felt helpless to do anything about them. What I needed was direction from God. I found this as I continued to read in the Gospel According To Matthew. When I came to chapter 6 I knew verses 25 through 34 were speaking directly to me. I had been worrying not only about my physical needs of food, shelter and clothing, but about the future in general. To Jesus, this did not make sense since I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and cares for me. How could I get a handle on this? what could I do to get my mind focused in the right direction?

The most powerful instruction I had ever received, which has guided me for the rest of my life was found in these words: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) While I had spent so much of my energy worrying and stressing over my problems, now I would change my focus. I would put my pursuit of God’s will, His ways, His Kingdom first above all other things. It seemed a bit risky at first. But what did I have to lose? My methods have failed me, trying to work things out on my own for years. Could I really trust in God that he would provide what I needed if I pursued His Kingdom first?

What followed was just too amazing. In a matter of months, my health improved, my financial situation began to improve, I found myself among a wonderful group of worshippers and had a new job working for a minister who taught me the bible every day as we worked together. The first steps for me were to return to my former church, to pray everyday, to read the bible and Christian writings everyday and to fast regularly. As I began to grow spiritually, the Holy spirit would teach me and lead me in other areas of His will for me. I have continued on this path to this day.

Going on 50 years later, I continue to be challenged by God to keep moving forward in Him. When things begin to get easier, or the road gets smoother, we can rest a while. However if we get too comfortable, that sense of adventure can diminish. Along with that our joy and passion for Him can fade and the worries of this life begin to take over again. No, it’s life right now, in the Kingdom of God for me. How about you?

The challenge to Kingdom Courage

Some of us have come to the realization that we are actually helpless in many ways. When it comes to certain weaknesses, (we all have weaknesses by the way), our fight to overcome them has failed time and time again. The good news is however, that God knows this, and that He has the solution.

That solution is to confess to Him our need, and to trust in Him to forgive us, to give us peace, and the power to overcome all the problems we face in this life.

God’s grace means that Jesus Christ came to save sinners who have done nothing to earn their deliverance. This truth has been wonderfully captured in the hymn by John Newton, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”

These days we are seeing the increase of political upheaval, suicide rates, drug overdoses, racial strife and the threat of nuclear war. Recently the fear of how a deadly virus can so quickly and easily spread over the entire world has become validated.

Believers in Christ have a place of refuge in Him and a hope that transcends all fears. They know their great and Almighty God is still in charge and has loving intentions for His Creation. They find encouragement in the knowledge of His Amazing Grace.

This has been my personal experience. Every time life’s cares and concerns become overwhelming, I find help and hope in seeking Him, my God and my Savior. My future and the future of the world is in His Hands. All I want to do then is to rest in Him and enjoy His wonderful presence within. At the same time a certain uneasiness can come over me. Is it all really about me? Is that the end of His plan? Why am I still at times unsatisfied within?

During these times have I forgotten the words of Jesus and His call to action? Did not Christ and His apostles teach us to cast our cares upon Him while at the same time sharing the burdens of others? Did not they prove that true joy and peace were to be found in sacrificial service?

Here is where we can see how the gospel of the Kingdom includes both the revelation of God’s super-abounding grace towards us, and His extending that same grace to others through us!

Praise God for His great love for me! Without it I would continue to be a self-serving, passive and miserable person vainly chasing personal security and pleasure for all of my days. Yes, in His love for me He has given me a purpose. That purpose sometimes stretches me beyond what I think I can accomplish. Yet, every time I accept His challenge Christ Himself empowers me in it. He en-courages me — He instills courage in me to move forward in Him!

Hears the deal: it is a great tragedy that far too many people, including believers themselves, see the Christian life as simply an escape from the troubles that surround us. Certainly there is a higher place for us to dwell in Christ while living in this world. In fact it is from this higher, spiritual life that we are able to serve the world around us. This perspective of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, praying for His Kingdom to come, God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven truly gives the church vitality and passion! This IS that higher life!

This is a life of resisting cowardice and embracing the courage that only God can give!

First the Kingdom Part 37, Through Much Tribulation

Each one of us has areas of concern that are common as well as those that differ from the other. Sometimes they lead us to believe we are right and the other person is wrong when at times 2 views can be actually 2 sides of the same coin. My particular focus has for a long time been with history in mind. Because I have a general knowledge of the history before my time, I can see how things have improved in the world more than we realize.

At the same time my generation has clearly seen a steady loss of basic virtues in our culture and in the people who are shaped by it. The causes of this might appear to be many and complicated. Those who study the social sciences more than I have can look at how technology has affected us. Others, like myself tend to look at the failure of leadership in the church, and the lack of sincerity found in the the people themselves. We see at the heart of every problem a spiritual battle, and tend to focus on spiritual solutions.

At the time I am preparing this teaching, my home nation is in a great struggle. Two perspectives that existed in balance from the beginning of our political existence are now in an ideological war with one another. Some fear that it will evolve into more than that very soon. As I approach my 70th birthday I have to admit, that to me the thought of a full civil war sounds absolutely terrifying. It is a thought that I had never expected to come to mind in all my years.

Maybe I am being naive, but I still have hopes that things can be turned around, and that our country can be spared such a future. I also believe that the church of Jesus Christ could play a powerful role in a positive outcome. In my study of history I have found that war is not always avoidable, but I have also found that faith in our all-powerful God can motivate us to accomplish great things for His glory. Revivals have come to cities, counties, and countries in the past. By revivals I mean times when the Holy Spirit sweeps over hundreds and thousands to change hearts and minds for the better. Society itself can become inspired and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit working with and through God’s people.

As the general culture in the media and in the educational world has increasingly turned against biblical Christianity, believers have risen up to defend the faith in many arenas. In the past few years and even more so in the past months the political arena has been the focus of many Christians. There is no doubt that attention needs to be given to what happens in our government and I have tried to follow events as best as I can. It would be shameful for any follower of Christ to ignore the opportunities He has afforded us here. I bless those who are called to focus on this arena and pray for them as well.

My only question is this: how is that been working out? Are more people coming to know Christ? Are more people learning the teachings of Christ and His Kingdom? Are believers themselves becoming better examples and “shining as lights in the world?” Has the environment around us become better than before as a result of these efforts?

The Chinese philosopher Confucius is said to have made this statement:

“If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.

In the 1960’s rock song, “Easy To Be Hard,” these words were expressed:

“How can people be so heartless?

How can people have no feelings?

And especially people,

In history I have learned of great leaders who stood for Christ in the political arena. I have also learned of Christian preachers who spoke out against the injustices occurring in their day. I am in no way promoting a passive position when it comes to conditions in this world. I am not one of those people who see any effort to improve the lives of their fellow humans as a fools mission. I greatly resist the pessimistic message of some who believe these efforts are like “polishing the brass on a sinking ship,” or “making the world a better place to go to hell from.”

At the same time I want to address what I see as an “either/or” fallacy. Among Christians I am becoming weary of the faith vs works argument, when both are important. More recently we are debating between personal and corporate responsibility. Confucius started with the individual, and believed that the world could be ultimately changed. The song I referenced mourned the fact that during the sixties some were concerned for strangers, but neglected those who were near to them. Why can’t we have both compassion for those we know, and also reach out to those we don’t know? why can’t we have faith in God AND good works that will help others?

A war is already on and it has been going on from the beginning of the human race. In fact it is an internal struggle within every heart. Too many times this spiritual war has found expression also in families, neighborhoods, cities, and nations. Every area in which this struggle rages must be addressed. Jesus and all the prophets before Him were aware of the need to face this fact. They addressed individual sin, as well as national sin. So we are not insisting on choosing between either individual or collective issues. But we are insisting on dealing with the root problem that lies at the bottom of all.

That is why Jesus began with repentance and faith, a new birth in the Spirit. The foundation for the new world he was bringing to pass was a new humanity. This new humanity was to light the way to a better world. At the time, the early followers of Christ had almost no political power, and yet their message spread like wildfire! It was a matter of time until the Roman authorities began to crack down on Christianity. Many were tortured and forced to deny Christ. Others endured and survived, others were martyred.

The courage that unbelievers saw in the Christians and the evil actions of their persecutors had an impact on them over time. The stone that Daniel saw in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream had been rolling over and crushing the power of an oppressive regime! The tide of public opinion began to turn towards the believers and in fact large numbers joined them in the faith. The persecution ended in early in the Fourth Century and many improvements in the culture began to take place. This of course was not the final battle between the darkness and the light, but we can take great encouragement and learn from this example.

So how can modern Christians in free countries apply these lessons? I have thought about this question as have most of us. Paul defended his right to a trial as a Roman citizen and it makes sense that we should use legal means to protect our rights to worship as well. However, the same laws that protect our right to worship also must protect the beliefs of others. Those involved in the courts and in government have the opportunity to voice what they believe are God’s righteous and fair ways, while the rest us of have a voice in our families, neighborhoods, schools and churches. Paul urged meekness and humility in our attempts to encourage others to follow Christ.

Rude, obnoxious attitudes, and exaggerations of the truth might draw a large audience on social media, but I cannot see it changing any minds. In fact I only see increased hardness against the Christian perspective resulting from this approach. We are to give a reason for what we belief with meekness and respect.

1 Peter 3:13-18:

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

No one will want to know what we believe if we are too busy convincing them that we are their enemies. And even if they are our enemies, what did Christ say for us to do to them? Love them! Pray for them and bless them! Do good for them! Why? That you might prove to be sons of your Father in heaven, who causes His sun to shine and rain to fall on the just and the unjust! (Matthew 5:44-45).

It is often necessary to expose the evil plans, purposes and actions of others, for the sake of those who are being oppressed by them. However, God has shown us that first we must check our own hearts. Without His grace we are just as capable of evil and selfish actions.

The Kingdom of God is realm of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We cannot have true peace and joy without His righteousness. That word implies fairness and equity based upon the truth. What I am calling for is a commitment to honesty and the truth. I love our country as much as anyone else, and want to see God bless us — not because we think we are better, but because we honor Him in our thoughts and actions. If God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for 10 righteous men, certainly He can spare America through the intercessory prayers of millions who believe in Him!

In Acts, after preaching in new areas, Barnabas and Paul returned to several cities, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ” Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-23 NASU) It is difficult to read through a significant portion of the New Testament without learning of the many hardships the early believers endured in their pursuit of God’s Kingdom. This might sound like a “negative confession” to some, but don’t they know that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us?” (Romans 8:18)

So how well have our earthly, political weapons served us? May we be encouraged by these additional words of Paul:

2 Corinthians 10:3-4:

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

The real power is in obeying Christ. The real power is in His love. The real power is in humbling ourselves as he did and serving others out of genuine compassion. The real power is in praying for all people, including our enemies. In this way we truly shine as lights in the darkness of this world!